IMPERIAL, Mo. (KSDK) - Nearly 20 homes in an Imperial neighborhood had to be evacuated Friday afternoon following a train derailment.

Eight train cars derailed from a southbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train. The derailment happened around 2:30 p.m. just south of Imperial, MO on Main Street.

The homes evacuated were located on Church Hill Court.

Authorities at the scene said the cars were empty, but the home evacuations were done as a precautionary measure because of the possibility residual hazardous materials leaking out.

Two of the cars were identified as having hazardous chemicals within: potassium hydroxide and ethyl glycol, respectively. Ethyl glycol is commonly used as an automotive antifreeze. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. It can be fatal if ingested. Potassium hydroxide is a caustic material used in industrial processes, such as drain cleaners and leather tanning chemicals.

The train company has dispatched a HAZMAT team to work with local authorities in clearing the area.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes before 5 p.m., but instructed to stay away from the train tracks.

NewsChannel 5 will have more information on this story as details become available.